Newark Tightens Coronavirus Rules: Shelter-In-Place, Curfew

NEWARK, NJ — It’s not a decision that Newark Mayor Ras Baraka made lightly. But the choice to tighten restrictions for residents in several areas of the city is one that he hopes will save lives, he says.

On Saturday, Baraka and city officials announced that Newark residents in three areas of the city will need to shelter in place in an attempt to slow the spread of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. (See map below)

Those areas include:

• Area 1 - Bloomfield Avenue to Verona Avenue, and Lake Street to Route 21
• Area 2 - Springfield Avenue to West Market Street, and Martin Luther King Boulevard to South 12th Street
• Area 3 - Avon Avenue to West Runyon Street, and Irvine Turner Boulevard to South 12th Street

People living in those areas of the city should stay indoors and only leave home for emergencies, medical reasons or “essential needs,” officials said.

The executive order took effect March 21 at 8 p.m. and will stay in place “until further notice.” A reassessment will be conducted in two days, city officials said.

The decision was made after city officials mapped the confirmed coronavirus cases, as well as those who have been quarantined and tested.

Gov. Phil Murphy recently issued a "stay-at-home" order, saying that “it’s no time for business as usual.” As of Saturday afternoon, 1,327 people in the state have tested positive for COVID-19 and 16 have died from the illness.

• See related article: Newark Sees First Case Of Coronavirus: Schools To Close
• See related article: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

“I do not make these decisions lightly,” Baraka said. “Our top priority is the health and safety of the residents of Newark and although these measures may seem aggressive, they are in fact necessary, as we deal with an unprecedented public health crisis. We are adhering to Governor Murphy’s directives throughout the City of Newark, but in the specific areas we need to go further. These new restrictions will save lives. Now, more than ever, we as a community, must work together to protect each other, because our individual actions will have a direct impact on one another.”

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CORONAVIRUS CURFEW IN NEWARK

Last week, Newark officials began a mandatory 8 p.m. curfew in the city, which requires all non-essential businesses to close at that time. It lasts “until further notice.”

Some changes include:

• “Curfew is mandatory after 8 p.m., unless there’s an emergency or you are coming from/going to work.”
• “All non-essential stores that do not sell food, medical supplies, prescriptions, gas, or household goods must close by 8 p.m. tonight and not reopen until further notice. This includes retail stores, nail salons, beauty salons, and barber shops. Laundromats, hotels, banks, auto mechanics, wireless/cell phone retail stores are exempt and can remain open.”
• “Only supermarkets, pharmacies, and gas stations are allowed to be open beyond 8 p.m., but patronizing there after 8 p.m. for emergencies only.”
• “Restaurants are allowed to remain open for take-out and delivery services only, but must close by 8 p.m. daily. No dining in allowed.”
• “City Hall is staffed at minimal levels and open to residents by appointment only for an indefinite period. To make an appointment, please call the usual numbers of the departments whose services are being sought or the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.”

In addition to the measures listed above, Mayor Baraka and the Director of the Department of Health and Community Wellness Mark Wade stated the following:

• Hardcopy packets of schoolwork will be available at the breakfast and lunch locations. A complete list of locations can be found at www.nps.k12.nj.us/.
• Cable provider Altice is providing free wifi to students.
• Seniors and the most vulnerable populations for Coronavirus will have a dedicated time to shop at the ShopRite on 206 Springfield Avenue in Newark, from 6:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. daily. The City is encouraging all grocery stores to do the same.
• Newark is beginning a system to get food to our seniors and most needy within the next couple of days.
• While all senior residential centers are closed to visitors, residents are encouraged to call and check on their senior family and friends. Management will check on them as well.
• All public, private, and parochial schools remain closed indefinitely.
• Immunization services will be reduced to Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• WIC will be open by appointment only on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – no walk-ins will be allowed.

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